Introduction to Resolution Writing October 25 th 2017

Introduction to Resolution Writing October 25 th, 2017

Where are we?

Last Week: Working Papers • Has to be introduced • No particular format required • BUT: Must include a list of sponsors and signatories • Lays the groundwork for a future draft resolution • Skeletal outline or full-fledged document • Recommendation: Submit them early! • Gud grammar pls

Today • What goes into a Resolution? • Content • Preambulatory Clauses • Operative Clauses • Formatting and Structure: • Draft Resolutions • Resolutions • Voting Procedure

What goes into a Resolution? Content • Format: Preambulatory clauses and operative clauses • Content: • • • Historical background, previous action Definitions! (except if it’s your strategy not to be 100% clear) Proposals: new ideas Funding Target Goal

What goes into a Resolution? Preambulatory Clauses • Historical background • Previous UN Action (e. g. passed resolutions) • UN Principles • Define the framework • Make observations • Appropriate wording: • Recalling … • Deeply disturbed … • Welcoming …

What goes into a Resolution? Preambulatory Clauses: Examples Reassuring that the human rights of any human being, as manifested in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations, and the Geneva Convention will be universally guaranteed and protected, Alarmed by the current humanitarian situation with over 6. 3 million internally displaed people and over 13. 5 million who require humanitarian assistance, Acknowledging the progress in taking back Syrian territory from militant terrorist groups like the Islamic State and Al-Nusrah,

What goes into a Resolution? Operative Clauses • New ideas • Action plans • Target • Goals • Funding • Pressure on other bodies • Specifics!

What goes into a Resolution? Operative Clauses: Examples 1. Emphasizes that green technology and green infrastructure should be pillars of urban planning, to which the following measures can be counted: a. designation of green areas in cities which should feature a large percentage of greenery, b. creation of bicycle lanes and pedestrian-only zones in cities, c. reduction of speed limits and low speed limits in general; 2. Endorses tax incentives for clean energy, clean technology and clean infrastructure appropriate to a country’s economic situation, such as a petroleum tax on high-emissions petrol;

Punctuation 1. Only one full stop on the whole document! • At the end of the last operative clause • Preambs: commas • Operative clauses: semicolons

Formatting and Structure Draft Resolutions • Has to be introduced • Stage 2 • Strict formatting • • • Resolution number, committee name, topic List of sponsors and signatories Preambulatory clauses Operative clauses Appropriate punctuation Grammar is important!

Formatting and Structure Resolutions • Must be passed by a vote • Final written document • Strict formatting • Same layout as draft resolutions • Template on our website: mun. uzh. ch/en/session/gettingstarted • Will be published as accepted documents!

Voting Procedure Introduction • Chair approval necessary • 1/5 of signatories must be present • Can include observers! • Motion to introduce (procedural, simple majority) • Possibility of a “Panel of Authors” • Sponsors answer any questions to their draft resolution • Time limit set by chair

Voting Procedure Amendments • Proposal to add to, delete, or revise the operative clauses from a DR • Applicable to any draft resolution • Chair approval necessary, 1/8 th of present delegates required • 2 Types: • “Normal” amendment: Motion to introduce, simple majority speakers for and against vote • Friendly amendment: Sponsors all agree upon it no vote required to introduce or adopt

Voting Procedure Voting On and Passing a Draft Resolution 1. Motion for closure of debate (qualified majority) 2. If accepted voting procedure • Substantive voting (Yes, No, Abstain) • No interruptions permitted • Possible Interjections: • Roll Call Vote: Yes, No, Abstain, Pass, No with rights • Division of the Question: voting by clause (SM, Procedural) • Final vote (SM)